THE Hares intend to knock down their 90 year old grandstand and build a new one in its place.

Cambs Times: Chairman Phil White and vice chairman Gerry RoeChairman Phil White and vice chairman Gerry Roe (Image: Archant)

The proposal to demolish the current 500-seater wooden grandstand and replace it with a modern 100-seater stand was approved by Fenland District Council yesterday.

The club hopes to get approval from their landlords GER Sports Club to build a clubhouse by July 2.

Once they get the green light they will get straight to work on the clubhouse, with the redevelopment of the grandstand a longer term ambition.

Chairman Phil White said: “We have re-submitted plans for the clubhouse and we hope to have approval from the GER Sports Club within 21 days.

“Once they sign it we can crack on with it, which is very exciting.

“The clubhouse is our priority and once it is completed we will start work on the grandstand.”

Manager Paul Crosbie said: “This is a hugely significant step for the Hares and it is hoped the last hurdle in securing the lease to build a new facility.

“Having met all the conditions laid down, the club should be in a position to secure the necessary funding to begin the building of the clubhouse within the next few weeks.

“With the club adding six junior teams and a ladies team for next season, this is news that further cements our intentions of being a club for the March and surrounding Fenland community.”

There will be space for additional spectators on both sides of the stand and scope for its capacity to be increased in the future.

A planning officer said: “The development is considered acceptable in terms of design, scale and with the materials proposed and the social and economic benefits that the development will provide.”